An adult adoptee must consent to the adoption.
Adult adoption is the adoption of an individual at or above the age of majority --- 18 in most states, including Michigan --- by another adult, with the adoptee's consent. Adult adoption formalizes the parent-child relationship; this allows the adoptee to inherit from the adoptive parents, or in the event of disability or illness, ensures that the adoptee receives care under the adoptive family's insurance as a legal family member. The Michigan Adoption Code facilitates adult adoption by reducing filing requirements.
Instructions
1. File a petition for adoption with the Family Division of the Michigan Circuit Court in your county or in the county of the adoptee. Each petitioner has to verify the petition, which must contain each petitioner's name, including the adoptive mother's maiden name, date and place of birth, and place of residence. Include the adoptee's name, date and place of birth, and place of residence. If the petitioner and adoptee have a pre-existing relationship, state the nature of the relationship. Make sure you list the biological parents' names and addresses unless the court has already terminated those rights. If applicable, describe the adoptee's property. Clearly write what will be the adoptee's full name after the adoption. Also include the temporary guardian's name and address if a guardian has been appointed.
2. Submit the required supporting documentation. Check that the court received your petition for adoption, a copy of the petitioner's marriage certificate, a copy of the adoptee's birth certificate, completed forms for the history of the petitioner and the history of the adult adoptee, the Petitioner's Verified Accounting, as well as any further documents the court deems necessary based on your case. Pay the applicable fees, which vary according to the petitions and orders you file.
3. Notify interested parties to the adoption by serving them with the adoption petition. The interested parties include the petitioners, the adult adoptee, biological parents whose parental rights have to be terminated to grant the adoption, or an appointed guardian who has authority to consent to an adoption. You must also notify a court with permanent custody of the adoptee, a court with continuing jurisdiction over the adoptee, and any interested party's guardian.
4. Attend the hearing with the court referee, at which time the adult adoptee will formally consent to the adoption. Answer the hearing officer's questions clearly and honestly; the court official will write a report of investigation based on the information you provide and the documents you submitted.
5. Ask for the list of adoption support groups available to adoptive parents and adoptees over the age of 14. After the judge reviews and approves your completed file and report of investigation, the judge will sign the Order of Adoption.
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